Lift kits for K30? (spring widths)

[napcoguy]

I am wanting to add about 2.5 inches to the height of my 84 K30 and I am having a problem finding a add-a-leaf/lift kit that is designed for the K30(454). I have seen pictures all over the internet of lifted K30's but I cannot seem to find a system. One issue I am having is finding springs that are 3" wide, all the kits I have noticed are 2.5" wide.

From what I have read most folks think or say they are the same width on all the 73-87's and some say there K30 has 2.5" springs while others are equipped with 3" springs.

Does anyone have any information on why some would have 2.5" while others would come with 3" springs? also if anyone has any information on a small lift that would be great.
Thanks

[abig84]

when i got my k30 i took the front lift springs off my old k5 blazer. this is going back like 7 years so dont remember the details but its possible the k30 had 3 inch springs as i had to use washers to take up the slack in the bushings

[crewcabshorty]

I just put on a set of skyjacker softride 2.5 in springs on my 85 cucv .

[obijuan]

Measure the spring at the center pin. 2.5". 73-87/91 square body front spring all interchange.

[andrewmp6]

See if you have a local spring shop,They can re arch yours to the height you want or make custom ones to your taste.

[sweetk30]

stock front are tapered leaf design = wide/thin/wide. as said its 2.5" in the middle . so any 73-87-91 solid axle leaf setup will basicly fit in the k30 .

as to re-arch don't waste your money in my opinion . .... and you can only arch so much before you need a longer main leaf to still get the eye's to install correctly in the frame .

and tapered leafs are not ment to be re-arched so I was told buy a old timer spring guy years ago . and don't mix-match reg leafs and tapered .

if bbc in your truck go 2" or 3" tuff country HD front leafs for the big block weight .

I have 3" in my k30 with sbc but a 850lb snow plow on the front . works good and rides good even with plow off.

don't forget the special dana 60 size u-bolts needed over std 10bolt/dana 44 stuff. and longer grd-8 bolts for the 2 on the pumkin or a stud kit if you prefer .

[napcoguy]

I measured the closest to the center today and it was 2 3/4 inches wide and went all the way to 3 1/4 inches closest to the shackle.

sweetK30, I emailed tuff country today and asked them about the HD front springs because there website was basically useless so I will post what they tell me as soon as I hear from them.

[sweetk30]

trust us on the 2.5" wide spring will work .

and the general rule is sbc and no real extra weight = reg spring .

and if bbc or winch bumper or plow = hd spring .

good bit of info is remove the last leaf on a hd pack and bam you have a non hd pack .

good info here also . and good vendor . http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog.htm

as much as I have purchased over the years from them I should have stock in the company .

[special-K]

People use Dana60 front axles on 1/2 and 3/4 tons with 2 1/2" springs. And you know how the passenger side bolts up in a "fixed" position. No sliding u-bolts closer together. 2 1/2" springs work

[obijuan]

Pretty much k30 specific kits come with different u bolts and longer rear springs.

[special-K]

I was just saying since the K/30 axle bolts up to all these other vehicles with 2 1/2" wide springs, 2 1/2" wide springs will certainly work on a K/30.

[napcoguy]

Well if no one has had any issues with them I will go ahead and give them a shot, is there a certain lift that has the dana 60 u-bolts?

[sweetk30]

I hate the quality of the lift kit supplied u-bolts from about every kit I have ever used . I don't know why they give us such cheep crap .....

I get my ubolts from these guys for mail order . http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/

if doing a 2-3" lift no steering correction should be required so skip a drop pitman arm or raised steering arm / or block . and the dana 60 blocks suck also . never seem to stay tight .

call the guys at ord if you want a 1 stop shop of quality parts and a kit made for the 1ton over figuring it out your self . http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog.htm

and here is my current build up project . 3" tuff country hd fronts in a k30 . has baby tires for shop roller use for now. 454bbc/4l80-e/203-205 doubler/fisher plow frame few lbs extra on the front . and I did a 3" block in the back on 22-547 springs from light duty 3/4 ton for better ride . http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....20group%20%231 and firestone airbag kit for the extra when I need it.

[Speeding Dakota]

If you don't want to use blocks in the back, check out DIY4x Shackle Flip kit for 1 ton.
http://diy4x.com/